Foot of snow forecast for this weekend

Credit: Associated Press

The winds are whipping up a winter wallop that arrives at our door Saturday with an electricity-cutting mix of heavy, wet snow and strong winds. (Today's NOAA satellite image above.)

The National Weather Service says brace for possible power outages and another storm rolling in mid-week. It's too early to tell how strong that second storm will be, they add.

But beginning late Saturday, we're in for snow or rain, wind and possibly power outages.

"There is certainly a very good potential for 6+ inches ... and perhaps a foot or more of snow" Saturday into Sunday, the weather service reports. They add "the big concern will be that this will be a wet snow across much of the region -- which could lead to some downed trees/power outages."

The weather service added:

THERE IS HIGH CONFIDENCE THAT A SIGNIFICANT
COASTAL STORM WILL IMPACT OUR REGION LATE SATURDAY
INTO SUNDAY. HOWEVER...GIVEN THE EVENT IS NEARLY
3 DAYS IN THE FUTURE DETAILS SUCH AS
SNOWFALL AMOUNTS/PTYPES REMAIN VERY UNCERTAIN.

This is a coastal storm much like the one two weeks ago, but about half the size. The rain-snow line will be what to watch.

The highest snowfall totals -- up to 16 inches in some places -- is forecast for north and west of the city. The Cape could see a dusting and Boston about 6 inches, according to multiple reports.

The threatening storm has worked out well for at least one man. A self-employed property owner who'd been picked for jury duty on the attempted-murder trial of Marcos Colono in Woburn that started today was dismissed by Middlesex Superior Court Judge Thomas P. Billings before a single witness was called after telling Billings he wanted to be available to plow snow for the town of Chelmsford.

It appeared the reluctant juror was already gearing up. He came to court in old jeans and a work shirt.

The storm hits as the Midwest is blanketed by snow targeting 30 million people in its path. (See the latest satellite image below.)

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The Midwest is seeing lightening, wind, ice, snow and sleet. Snow in Arizona has forced the cancelation of a PGA golf tournament and up to 18 inches of snow is expected in some states, with Missouri to be hit the hardest, according to numerous reports.

As for us, Saturday's storm will bring snow "north of the Mass Pike" for sure and strong winds along the coast, according to the weather service. The bulk of the storm will be overnight Saturday into Sunday.